Following a comment by Jonathan in the Medium Format Film thread as to when Nikon might release a full frame DSLR, I thought I would start a thread to canvass some opinions on the mertits of going full frame here. I know there are a number of members who either have both or have made the switch.
The sort of thing I am getting at is are the benefits seen in improved image quality, ability to use lenses at the marked value, bigger/brighter viewfinder ........................ Lots is talked about FF but I am unsure how its benefits have shown up in the real world as opposed to forum chat as to desireabilty.
In response to Jonathans comment re Nikon and FF my thoughts are these:
Given the current resolution of the D2X and 1 DS Mk. II then for non studio work how much more is needed ? Once we go into pro studio work then the photograhers requirements change depending on subject. So the market for this becomes more fragmented. From my experience with product photography then the best resolution, biggest viewfinder, and swings & tilts are important. Enter Leaf and Phase one for the old medium format sized bodies and view cameras. 35mm viewfinder size is just a pain in the neck. As I believe film will be a major player in this slot for some time the market is further diluted.
Sports, action and wildlife then Canon will have the lead with the EOS 1D MkIII. 10mp on a cropped sensor, clean images at high ISO and machine gun speed.
Do I see a hole for Nikon. ......... A replacement for the Hs. Similar sensor but full frame at 8MP in either the D2X/Hs or F6 body. In fact if the current sensor was increased to full frame it would not be far short of 10MP. Foxy has shown the quality of the images the sensor is currently capable of at DX size. For general press and sports photographers it would keep Nikon in the ballpark with the added advantage of a larger viewfinder than the 1D MkIII. Depending on shutter technology they could even exceed the MkIII frame rate with high speed crop.
Not sure I see a significant market for a full frame D2X sensor at 20+MP in a 35mm size body now we have moved away from the interchangeable viewfinders that expanded the versatility of the F,F2,F3, and F4.
That should get the ball rolling.
Don